Here's one last Summer cocktail to savor the season before Labor Day. I was first introduced to the Blueberry Mojito at the the seclusive shores of the Horned Dorset hotel in Puerto Rico, and I returned home with this recipe as my souvenir of choice. I love the pureness and simplicity of a refreshing Mojito, but this sweet twist elevates the classic drink to chic delicousness. This recipe requires juicing, muddling and straining, but it's worth every last effort.

Blueberries may be substituted for strawberries, blackberries or your Summer berry of choice, but only fresh seasonal berries and no frozen or prepackaged juices or purees. As with all apothecary concoctions, the devil is in the quality of the ingredients.

Recipe (per cocktail serving):
*12 mint leaves
*Handful of blueberries
*1/2 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
*4tsp. bakers sugar
*1 1/2 oz white rum (I used Bacardi because that's what was on hand)
*Splash of club soda

Muddle the mint leaves and lime juice in a beaker. Mash and strain fresh blueberries into the same beaker. Add bakers sugar and ice, followed by rum. Stir and then pour into high ball glass 3/4 way full. Top with club soda. Garnish with a spring of mint and lime wedge.

Essential ingredients - fresh seasonal blueberries, lime and mint.

Images by Brooklyn Boheme.

Cocktail trends come and go, but tequila (good tequila) is always in fashion and this summertime cocktail is sure to satisfy your most fashionable of pool guests. This spicy twist on a fruit margarita is the perfect way to enjoy your summertime watermelon - not too sweet, yet still refreshing with a smoky kick that keeps you coming back for more. The key ingredients of this recipe: Tequila + jalapeno + watermelon + lime juice.

As with all apothecary concoctions, the devil is in the quality of the ingredients. Make sure to use fresh ingredients - meaning, no frozen, canned or prepackaged juices or purees.

Recipe makes 3 cocktails:

* ¾ of one jalapeno
* 2.5 oz tequila (I used Patron silver because that's what was on hand)
* 1 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed - usually 2 limes will give you 1 oz)
* 1 oz watermelon puree (save a few slices for the garnish)
* ¾ oz agave nectar
* Hickory smoked salt (for rimming the glasses)

Muddle the jalapeno in a shaker or beaker. Add tequila, lime juice, watermelon puree and agave nectar. Shake with ice and strain into glass filled with ice and rimmed with hickory smoked salt. Garnish with a slice of watermelon and lime wedge.

Muddled jalapenos and smoky salt to rim the glasses.

Adapted from Boulder Locavore.
Images by Brooklyn Boheme.

Cocktail Apothecary: Savoring Summer with a Blueberry Mojito

Cocktail Apothecary: Watermelon-Jalapeno Margarita